Miami Airport predicts continued soaring passenger numbers through March

Monday, March 18, 2024

The year has kicked off with unprecedented passenger growth at Miami International Airport (MIA), and this trend is anticipated to persist until the month’s end.

As of March 16, MIA has catered to 12.3 million passengers, marking a notable increase of one million travelers compared to the same period last year, translating to a 9.6% rise. Since the onset of spring breaks at colleges across Florida and the East Coast on March 1, MIA has witnessed a 9% year-over-year surge in travel. This robust upward trajectory is expected to continue as Miami-Dade County grade schools commence their spring break on March 22 and travelers embark on flights for the Easter weekend towards the end of the month.

With projections indicating that MIA will maintain an average of over 170,000 passengers daily for the remainder of March, the global hub is offering the following travel recommendations for springtime travelers:

Check-In:

• Make sure to reach MIA airport at least three hours prior to your flight departure to ensure sufficient time for parking, checking in with your airline, and going through security screening.
• Utilize online airline check-in prior to arriving at MIA.
• In case of flight delays, exercise patience with airline staff as they endeavor to reschedule flights, and stay updated with your airline for flight status.
• Access updated flight information through MIA’s online platform and mobile app.

TSA Screening:

• Pack essential items such as medication, travel documents, phone chargers, and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage for easy access in case of flight delays.
• Facilitate TSA checkpoint screening by wearing easily removable footwear, adhering to the 3-1-1 rule for liquids or gels in your carry-on, and refraining from carrying items resembling weapons or prohibited items. Additional TSA guidelines can be found on their website.
• Stay informed about checkpoint wait times for your flight via MIA’s real-time updates online.

Parking:

• Avail half-price parking at MIA’s remote Economy Park and Ride lot, or utilize Valet Parking conveniently located across from MIA’s check-in area at door 2 and door 20 in both the Dolphin and Flamingo garages.
• Non-commercial users awaiting travelers can utilize MIA’s Cell Phone Waiting Lot, offering 60 free parking spaces, accessible from LeJeune Road off N.W. 31st Street.

Concourse D:

• While the Concourse D Skytrain remains inactive until the month’s end, a courtesy trolley service operates from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with ten pick-up stations throughout Concourse D for assistance.
• Envoy Air, an American Airlines subsidiary, operates an airside shuttle bus with stops at gates D10 and D60 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Passengers requiring wheelchair assistance should prearrange with their airline prior to their flight.

International Travel:

• For international travel, eligible passengers can utilize the free, secure Mobile Passport Control app to submit passport and customs declaration information via smartphone or tablet, bypassing paper forms or automated passport control kiosks.
• Special accessibility lanes are provided for passengers with disabilities or limited mobility arriving from foreign destinations. By completing an accessibility lane request form on MIA’s website 48 hours before arrival, these passengers can request special queueing assistance in MIA’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) area.

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